Abstract Background The rise in older employees and physical inactivity necessitates targeted health and exercise promotion approaches. Physical training has positive health effects; however, traditional offerings are often underutilized due to time constraints or lack of motivation. The wLiFE55+ program offers a promising approach by integrating neuromotor, strength, and physical activity activities into daily routines with minimal time commitment. There is a high demand for workplace physical activity intervention (WPAI) with sustainable implementation. This study evaluated the wLiFE55+ program, designed for employees aged 55+, focusing on (1) participants perspectives on its components and (2) gathering insights for further development. Methods The wLiFE55+ program was piloted in a four-week study with a pre-post design. Participants attended four personal trainer sessions and integrated neuromotor, strength, and physical activities into their daily routines. Two focus groups (n=8) were conducted post-program. Half of the focus group participants (mean age 58.5 years, SD = 3.1) were female (5 full-time, 3 part-time), with low to moderate physical activity levels at work and varying functional performance. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using deductive qualitative content analysis. Participants statements were categorized into predefined categories, creating a structured analysis system. Three main categories were applied to the transcripts. Results The focus groups demonstrated a balanced distribution of speech contributions, with an average participation rate of 12.5% per participant. In total, 313 statements were categorized into three main areas: Overall Program (59), Program Content (137), and Behavioral Change (117). Participant feedback highlighted requests for more practice time, targeted communication, and precise feedback about progress (Overall Program). Personal trainer support and tailoring of activities were evaluated positively (Program Content). High motivation existed at the start of the study but challenges in executing the program at the workplace were reported (Behavioral Change). Conclusion Overall, the wLiFE55+ program was well-received as a workplace physical activity intervention (WPAI), particularly for the support provided by personal trainers, the activities included, and participants progress. The wLiFE55+ program has shown potential as a WPAI, and areas for improvement were identified, such as more communication, digitizing the documentation process, and simplifying activity planning.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded by the AFF Young Scholar Fund of the University of Konstanz

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethics committee of the University of Konstanz gave ethical approval for this work (approval number IRB23KN07-005w).

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript.